Mississippi PEP Congress, Federal Government, History, State Government

Rep. Bennie Thompson’s Proposal to Remove Mississippi State Flag from U.S. Capitol on Hold Until State Legislature Acts


   The Republican who heads the congressional committee considering a measure to remove the Mississippi state flag from the House side of the U.S. Capitol says she wants to hear from the Mississippi legislature—which does not convene until 2016. The resolution to remove the Mississippi flag, which exhibits in an upper corner the emblem of … Continue reading Rep. Bennie Thompson’s Proposal to Remove Mississippi State Flag from U.S. Capitol on Hold Until State Legislature Acts

Mississippi PEP Education, State Government

Lt. Gov. Reeves warns against #Initiative42 at Columbus stop. 


   Mississippi Lt. Governor Tate Reeves discouraged voters from supporting Educational Initiative 42 at the weekly meeting of the Columbus Rotary Club at Lion Hills at noon on Tuesday. "When you look at what ultimately will occur if this ballot issue passes and becomes law," he said, "I think you should be very concerned about … Continue reading Lt. Gov. Reeves warns against #Initiative42 at Columbus stop. 

Mississippi PEP Mississippi, Politics, State Government

Mississippi Term Limits Ballot Initiative to launch on Thursday, July 23.


   Sponsors of the Term Limits Ballot Initiative will officially kick off the signature gathering drive at the Mississippi State Capitol on Thursday afternoon, July 23. Following the announcement at 2:30 sponsors will meet with volunteers to organize efforts across the state. The initiative has been given the official ballot initiative number 51. It would … Continue reading Mississippi Term Limits Ballot Initiative to launch on Thursday, July 23.

Mississippi PEP contributor, PERS, Retirement, State Government

WILSON: Mississippi’s pension system one of nation’s worst


BY: Steve Wilson | Watchdog.org A new report by nonprofit State Budget Solutions says Mississippi’s Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi is carrying $56 billion in unfunded liabilities, worst in the nation — now at 53 percent of the gross state product in 2013. It covers only 27 percent of the state’s liabilities, which is … Continue reading WILSON: Mississippi’s pension system one of nation’s worst

Mississippi PEP contributor, Education, State Government

PULLMAN: Obama Administration tightens clamps on states to centralize hiring of teachers.


BY: Joy Pullman | Heartland Institute When the Obama administration began writing its own laws under the guise of No Child Left Behind waivers in 2011, it snuck into the thousands of pages of bureaucratese a requirement for “teacher equity.” Now, the administration has reminded states it wasn’t joking. On Monday, the U.S. Department of … Continue reading PULLMAN: Obama Administration tightens clamps on states to centralize hiring of teachers.

Mississippi PEP MDOC, State Government

MS Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps to resign.


Longtime Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps is resigning, amid a federal investigation, according to multiple sources confirming to clarionledger.com Epps could not immediately be reached for comment. State Auditor Stacey Pickering said he is aware of Epps' resignation, but, "I cannot make further comment at this time." House Corrections Chairman Tommy Taylor said he had … Continue reading MS Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps to resign.

Mississippi PEP contributor, Education, Empower Mississippi, Grant Callen, Mississippi, State Government

CALLEN: More choices, not more money, is answer to what ails Mississippi education.


BY: Grant Callen Mississippi is on top of the college football world. This historic accomplishment has generated tremendous publicity for Mississippi, even in areas unrelated to football. As a lifelong Mississippian, I can attest there is much to celebrate here. For my three children, my wife and me, Mississippi is the best place in the … Continue reading CALLEN: More choices, not more money, is answer to what ails Mississippi education.

Mississippi PEP health, Legislature, Medicaid, Mississippi, Obamacare, Politics, State Government

MS Hospitals continue pressing for Medicaid expansion.


(graphic credit: Kaiser Family Foundation via MPBOnline.org) St. Dominic's president Lester Diamond says Mississippi hospitals are working on a proposal that would include changes to the existing Medicaid program to help convince reluctant state lawmakers to expand it. Diamond says there is a sweet spot that includes conservative changes to Medicaid but still open access … Continue reading MS Hospitals continue pressing for Medicaid expansion.